Here's this week's reports and news....

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TEAS ON THE GREEN 17/08/08

It was dull and threatening to rain when I took my dog, Max, out for
his walk this morning but when I left home to meet the train at Horley
it was bright, sunny and blue skies, what a difference an hour makes.

There were already three riders waiting at the Station Cafe when I got
there and two others arrived by car but unfortunately, had hurriedly
parked in the station's newly revamped car park and were stung by a
£5.50 parking charge. Had they known that the train was late they
could have scouted round the nearby residential streets where there
are plenty of free parking, (a note for next time).

15 riders set out from Horley station around 10am and once out of the
town and crossed the A23 at the traffic lights we headed north on the
long and quiet Meath Green Lane towards Woodhatch to Reigate Garden
Centre for our morning stop. We arrived 10.30 just as the coffee
shop opened and although we were first there, serving 15 cyclists took
a bit of time so we weren't away until about 11.15. From there it was
southwards on long, quiet and gently undulating rural roads through
pretty villages of Leigh, Newdigate and Rusper before we arrived at
the Lamb Inn in Lambs Green for lunch. Having rung ahead at the
coffee stop and said we would be there 12.30-1:00pm we arrived 12.15
and found two long tables reserved for us, as requested, outdoors. We
also ordered meals of our choice despite being told on the 'phone that
because of the size of the group and the short notice we would have to
have the two-course set menu (first time that has happened). Anyway,
we didn't have to wait too long before the food arrived and everyone
was served at the same time, and by all accounts everyone was pleased
with the quality of the food and service, and the pub.

We set off again about 1.30 going north towards Ifield, passing
Gatwick airport in the distance on the right, then to Charlwood. From
Charlwood it was up Stan Hill (longest hill on this ride but easily
managed by most), then headed in the direction of Leigh when we had
our first puncture, (an opportunity to stop and chat for the rest of
us). We arrived at Brockham for the Teas on the Green by 3pm and were
not disappointed with the tea and cakes. As I understand it, the tea
and cakes are put on by a different charity each Sunday and unusually
today a donation was asked for rather than each item charged per
piece.

By now the sky had clouded over and a chilly wind had picked up and
perhaps rain was on the way, we decided it was time to head back to
Horley. Three riders decided to make their own way home from Brockham
and the rest of us headed south. Just as we were on the last stretch
before Horley we had our second puncture, another opportunity for a
stop and a chat, and like someone said, punctures are a good spectator
sport, so long as it's not yours.

Arrived back at Horley station 5.15pm. Two people each clocked up
39miles on their meters but nobody seemed to mind about the extra
miles. And also, we did not have one drop of rain.

Report by Susie.

See some pix on Flickr at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pollardshillcyclists/sets/72157606804205721
or
http://tinyurl.com/phc005

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LIDL

Most of you will have seen Jim's midweek mail about cycling bargains
at Lidl. For those that don't know, you often see your leaders
sporting Lidl cycling jerseys. They're a fiver, much cheaper than
regular cycle shops where you can pay up to £40 and they're absolutely
fine. If you're looking to try some cycle-specific clothing, this is a
good place to start. They also have track pumps, an essential item for
all cyclists to have at home. Keeping your tyres properly inflated is
your number one defence against punctures. I can't vouch for the
quality of the these items though.

Steer clear of their cheap locks if you're parking a bike for any
length of time. It's easy enough for thieves to steal a bike without
making it even simpler by using cheap locks. However, they're fine for
leaving outside country pubs whilst having lunch or nipping into a
Sunday morning cafe.

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NEXT WEEK

Our Bank Holiday Sunday ride takes advantage of the deserted City
streets, as well as some excellent traffic-free cycling along some of
London's best cycle paths. Lunch at a City pub somewhere. Departs the
library at 9:30am.

Mark
PHC Co-ordinator
07711 688189

http://www.pollardshillcyclists.org.uk